Possible reasons for an increase in the proportion of genital ulcers due to herpes simplex virus from a cohort of female bar workers in Tanzania

OBJECTIVES: To determine trends in the prevalence and aetiological distribution of genital ulcer syndrome (GUS) in a cohort of female bar workers and to assess factors associated with these trends. METHODS: An open cohort of 600 women at high risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) was offered screening and treatment for STI at 3-month intervals. The prevalence of GUS and associated aetiological agents (Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Treponema pallidum and Haemophilus ducreyi) were monitored over 27 months through clinical examination, dry lesion swabbing and multiplex polymerase chain reaction. The effects of HIV status and other factors on the prevalence trends of STI were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 753 women were recruited into the cohort over 10 examination rounds. At recruitment, the seroprevalence was 67% for HIV and 89% for HSV type 2 (HSV-2). During follow-up, 57% of ulcers had unknown aetiology, 37% were due to genital herpes and 6% to bacterial aetiologies, which disappeared completely in later rounds. The absolute prevalence of genital herpes remained stable at around 2%. The proportion of GUS caused by HSV increased from 22% to 58%, whereas bacterial causes declined. These trends were observed in both HIV-negative and HIV-positive women. CONCLUSIONS: The changes observed in the frequency and proportional distribution of GUS aetiologies suggest that regular STI screening and treatment over an extended period can effectively reduce bacterial STI and should therefore be sustained. However, in populations with a high prevalence of HSV-2, there remains a considerable burden of genital herpes, which soon becomes the predominant cause of GUS. Given the observed associations between genital herpes and HIV transmission, high priority should be given to the evaluation of potential interventions to control HSV-2 either through a vaccine or through episodic or suppressive antiviral therapy and primary prevention.     

Baseline survey of sexually transmitted infections in a cohort of female bar workers in Mbeya Region, Tanzania

OBJECTIVES: To determine baseline prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and other reproductive tract infections (RTI) and their association with HIV as well as sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics in a newly recruited cohort of female bar workers in Mbeya Region, Tanzania. METHODS: 600 female bar workers were recruited from 17 different communities during September to November 2000 and underwent gynaecological examination, laboratory testing for HIV/STI, and interviews using structured questionnaires. RESULTS: HIV-1 seroprevalence was 68%. Prevalences of STI/RTI were high titre syphilis (TPPA/RPR >/=1/8), 9%; herpes simplex virus 2 antibodies, 87%; chlamydia, 12%; gonorrhoea, 22%; trichomoniasis, 24%; and bacterial vaginosis, 40%. HIV infection was associated with TPPA and HSV-2 seropositivity, bacterial vaginosis and clinically diagnosed genital ulcers, blisters, and warts. Reported high risk sexual behaviour during the past year (having multiple casual partners) was associated with prevalent STI. CONCLUSION: Female bar workers in Mbeya are at high risk of STI and HIV infection. Targeted STI/HIV prevention interventions for these women and their sexual partners need to be reinforced. Methods should be sought to improve healthcare seeking and to provide easily accessible and affordable STI care services.     

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and performance of STI syndromes against aetiological diagnosis,in female sex workers of red light area in Surat,India

OBJECTIVES: To measure prevalence of selected sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV among female sex workers (SWs) in the red light area of Surat, India, and to evaluate the performance of STI syndrome guidelines (for general population women in India) in this group against the standard aetiological diagnosis of STIs by laboratory methods. METHODS: In a cross sectional study, 124 out of an estimated total of 500 SWs were mobilised to a health camp near the red light area during 2000. After obtaining consent, a behavioural questionnaire was administered, followed by clinical examination and specimen collection for different STIs. 118 SWs completed all aspects of the survey. HIV testing was unlinked and anonymous. RESULTS: The mean number of different sexual partners of SWs per day was five. 94.9% reported consistent condom use with the clients. 58.5% of SWs had no symptoms related to STDs at the time of examination. Reported symptoms included lower abdominal pain (19.5%), abnormal vaginal discharge (12.7%), painful sexual intercourse (12.7%), painful micturition (11.0%), itching around the genital area (10.2%), and genital ulcer (5.9%). The prevalence of STI "syndromes" were vaginal discharge syndrome 51.7%, pain in lower abdomen 19.5%, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes 11.9%, and genital ulcer 5.9%. Based on the laboratory reports (excluding HIV tests), 62 (52.5%) SWs did not have any of the four tested STIs. Prevalence of laboratory confirmed STIs were syphilis 22.7% (based on reactive syphilis serology tests), gonorrhoea 16.9%, genital chlamydial infection 8.5%, and trichomoniasis 14.4%. HIV prevalence was 43.2%. The performance of Indian recommended treatment guidelines for vaginal discharge syndrome (VDS) and genital ulcer syndrome (GUS) against aetiological diagnosis was poor. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of different STIs and HIV among the FSWs in the Surat red light area is high despite high reported condom use with clients. Syndromic case management is missing a large number of asymptomatic cases and providing treatment in the absence of disease. Therefore, it is necessary to explore alternative strategies for control of STIs in female sex workers. STI services need to be improved.     

Review of STI and HIV epidemiological data from 1990 to 2001 in urban Burkina Faso: implications for STI and HIV control

OBJECTIVES: To better understand the sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV dynamics in an urban west African setting in order to adapt STI/HIV control efforts accordingly. METHODS: Review of STI and HIV epidemiological studies performed over the past decade in Bobo-Dioulasso, the second city of Burkina Faso. Trends in STI prevalence among commercial sex workers and the general population were assessed over time through studies that used the same recruitment and laboratory diagnostic procedures. Variations in aetiologies of vaginal discharge, urethral discharge, and genital ulcers were also evaluated among patients consulting for genital infection complaints. Antenatal clinic based surveys provided data to assess HIV trend among the general population. RESULTS: We observed an important decline of classic bacterial STI such as syphilis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Haemophilus ducrey infections in all study groups. Trichomoniasis also declined but to a lesser extent. HIV infection followed the same trend at the same time, with a significant decline in the 15-19 year age group of pregnant women, suggesting a possible decrease of HIV incidence. Although no evidence of a causal relation can be drawn from this review, adoption of safer sex behaviour, introduction of the syndromic management (SM) approach, or higher antibiotic use may have contributed to these changes. CONCLUSIONS: Classic bacterial STI declined over the past decade in parallel with a stabilisation of HIV infection. Variations in syndromes aetiology and sexual behaviours should be monitored as part of STI surveillance in order to improve STI syndromic management algorithms and to adapt HIV/STI prevention efforts.     

High-risk sexual behaviour in men attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Durban, South Africa

Objectives

A study of men with genital ulcer disease (GUD) in Durban, South Africa, at the start of the local HIV epidemic in 1988/1989 found that 36% of men with GUD continued with sexual intercourse despite symptoms. The aim of this study was to determine whether this high‐risk behaviour was still prevalent and to enquire about similar risk behaviours with other sexually transmitted infection (STI)‐related problems.

Methods

650 Men attending the main Durban STI clinic with a new complaint were enrolled. A standard questionnaire was administered. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were performed to diagnose genital herpes from ulcer specimens and gonorrhoea and chlamydia from those with urethral discharge and/or dysuria. Serology tests were performed for HIV, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) and syphilis.

Results

Sex since the start of symptoms was reported by between 33.3% and 43.9% of men with GUD, herpetic ulcers, gonorrhoea and/or chlamydia or dysuria. The incidence of condom use was very low in all groups having sex despite symptoms. In 87 men with genital ulcers confirmed positive for genital herpes by PCR testing, 30 (34.4%) had had sex since the start of symptoms, 28 (93.3%) of whom had had unprotected sex.

Conclusions

There is a high level of risk behaviour in this group of men in whom genital herpes is the most common cause of GUD. This risky sexual behaviour could reflect disinhibition, possibly because so many have already been infected with HSV‐2, lack of education or other unknown factors. Syndromic STI management should be strengthened with intensive health education to promote community awareness of both genital ulceration and genital herpes and their role in facilitating HIV transmission. The low level of condom use indicates that condom promotion programmes still have much to achieve.Very high rates of genital ulceration have been reported from countries worst affected by HIV.¹ The reasons for this are uncertain but could reflect low rates of male circumcision or some other behavioural factors not yet identified. At the start of the HIV epidemic in Durban, South Africa, a study of men and women with genital ulcer disease (GUD) in 1988/1989 found that 36% of men and 36% of women with GUD continued with sexual intercourse despite symptoms.² Syphilis and chancroid were the most common causes of GUD then, but subsequent studies have shown that the incidence of both these conditions has declined whereas genital herpes has increased significantly.^3,4 Moreover, in a systematic review and meta‐analysis, prevalent herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) infection was associated with a threefold increased risk of HIV acquisition among men and women in the general population, suggesting that in areas of high HIV‐2 prevalence a high proportion of HIV is attributable to HSV‐2.⁵After the onset of the local HIV epidemic in the early 1990s in Durban, sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment and care was decentralised so that primary care would deal with all but the most complicated or resistant STI cases. Although this strategy was expected to improve delays in treatment, it was uncertain whether staff in primary healthcare settings would be motivated to provide health education for the very high‐risk practices outlined above and to counsel patients diagnosed with genital herpes.The primary objectives of this study were to determine whether there were differences in the sociodemographic profile and sexual behaviour of men with and without genital ulcers and selected aspects of healthcare seeking and sexual behaviour in men with genital ulcers, genital herpes, gonorrhoea and/or chlamydia or dysuria.     

Genital ulcers and concomitant complaints in men attending a sexually transmitted infections clinic: implications for sexually transmitted infections management

BACKGROUND: Although genital herpes has emerged as the most common cause of genital ulcers in Southern Africa, treatment for herpes is not available routinely in the region. This study was performed to determine the etiology of genital ulcers in men in Durban and assess other sexually transmitted infections-related symptoms, presentation, and treatment patterns in this group. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were performed on specimens from consecutive male patients with genital ulcers to detect sexually transmitted pathogens. PCR was also performed for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis on urethral specimens from consecutive subjects with dysuria or urethral discharge. Antibody tests for syphilis and herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) and human immunodeficiency virus antibodies were performed. RESULTS: Of 162 patients enrolled with genital ulcers, 77.7% were human immunodeficiency virus-positive and 84.6% had antibodies to HSV-2. PCR results showed the following prevalences: HSV-2 53.7%, lymphogranuloma venereum 13.6%, Treponema pallidum 3.7%, Hemophilus ducreyi 1.2%, mixed infections 6.2%, and no pathogens identified 33.3%. One case of donovanosis was diagnosed clinically. In men with HSV-2 ulcers, delay before attendance recorded for 68 men was 1 to 3 days (24%), 4 to 7 days (47%), 8 to 14 days (12%), 15 to 30 days (12%), and >30 days (6%). History-taking using prompting increased the sensitivity but decreased the specificity and positive predictive value of reported genital ulceration when assessed against ulcers seen on examination. CONCLUSIONS: Men at risk of genital ulcers should be asked about relevant symptoms with and without prompting and examined clinically to maximize the likelihood of correct diagnosis and treatment. The finding of a high prevalence of HSV-2 and associated dysuria cautions against providing empirical treatment for gonorrhoea and chlamydia in ulcer patients with dysuria but without urethral discharge. Innovative strategies to limit the burden of HSV-2 infection in this population are required.     

Human immunodeficiency virus infection and genital ulcer disease in South Africa: the herpetic connection

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: While genital ulcers are a risk factor in HIV infection, the association of specific agents of genital ulcer disease (GUD) with HIV infection may vary. GOAL: To determine the etiology of GUD in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected men attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, South Africa, and the association of previous and current sexually transmitted infections with HIV infection in men with ulcerative and nonulcerative STDs. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of 558 men with genital ulcers and 602 men with urethritis. RESULTS: Patients with GUD were more likely to be infected with HIV than patients with urethritis (39.4% versus 21.4%, P< or =0.001). Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) was the most common agent identified in ulcer specimens (35.9%), and was detected in a significantly higher proportion of ulcer specimens from HIV-infected patients than in specimens from HIV-uninfected patients (47.4% versus 28.2%, P< or =0.001). Patients infected with HIV-1 were significantly more likely to have HSV-2 infection, as measured by the presence of the antibody to glycoprotein G-2, than patients not infected with HIV (63.1% versus 38.5%, P< or =0.001). Patients infected with HIV-1 were also significantly more likely to have initial HSV-2 infection than HIV-uninfected patients with GUD (50.0% versus 31.6%, P = 0.007). Haemophilus ducreyi was detected in 31.7% of ulcer specimens; prevalence did not vary by HIV-infection status. Treponema pallidum DNA was detected significantly less frequently in ulcer specimens from patients infected with HIV than in specimens from patients not infected with HIV (10.2% versus 26%, P< or =0.001); no association was found between HIV-infection status and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test seroreactivity, even when men with M-PCR-positive syphilis lesions were excluded from the analyses. CONCLUSION: The authors found that HSV-2 is a more common etiology of GUD than has been suggested by previous studies conducted in South Africa; serologic evidence of HSV-2 infection and current cases of genital herpes are strongly associated with HIV infection among men who present to STD clinics with GUD or urethritis.     

生殖器溃疡中单纯疱疹病毒的检测和分型

目的：了解性病门诊生殖器溃疡患者中单纯疱疹病毒（HSV）感染情况，并评价聚合酶链反应（PCR）－微孔板反向杂交检测和分型方法在生器疱疹诊断中的意义。方法：采用病毒分离培养、普通PCR和PCR－微孔板反向杂交法同时对200份生殖器溃疡标本作了HSV检测与分型。结果：PCR－微孔板反向杂交法的敏感性和特异性分别为98．1％和95．9％，PCR－微孔板杂交法分型结果与病毒分离培养法和普遍PCR的分型结果完全相符。生殖器溃疡中HSV检出率为30％（60／200），其中HSV－2感染占96．7％（58／60）。结论：HSV－2是性病门诊患者生殖器溃疡的主要病因之一，PCR－微孔板反向杂交法是一种适用生殖器溃疡标本中HSV的检测与分型的快速、敏感和特异的诊断方法。     

Increasing relative prevalence of HSV-2 infection among men with genital ulcers from a mining community in South Africa

OBJECTIVES: To determine the aetiology of genital ulcer disease (GUD) and its association with HIV infection in the mining community of Carletonville, South Africa, from two cross sectional surveys of consecutive men presenting with genital lesions during October 1993 to January 1994 and July to November 1998. METHODS: A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) assay combined with amplicon detection was used to identify DNA specific sequences of Treponema pallidum, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and Haemophilus ducreyi. A real time PCR assay was used to differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2. RESULTS: M-PCR detected T pallidum, HSV, and H ducreyi in 10.3%, 17.2%, and 69.4% of 232 GUD patients during 1993-4 and in 12.4%, 36.0%, and 50.5% of 186 GUD patients in 1998. The proportion of patients with more than one agent increased significantly from 7.3% (17/232) in 1993-4 to 16.7% (31/186) in 1998 (p <0.01). HSV-2 was detected in a higher proportion of ulcer specimens from HIV infected patients than in specimens from HIV uninfected patients during both time periods (1993-4: 26.2% v 6.7%, p <0.001; 1998: 42.1% v 29.6%, p >0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Based on two cross sectional surveys, 4 years apart, chancroid remained the leading cause of GUD in men who presented at the STD clinic with genital ulcers in the mining community of Carletonville, South Africa. The relative prevalence of primary syphilis has remained low. However, HSV-2 has emerged as a more significant cause of GUD and the proportion of GUD patients infected with more than one agent also increased significantly. HSV-2 DNA was detected in a significantly higher proportion of ulcer specimens from HIV positive patients than from HIV negative patients. No association was found between HIV infection status and the relative prevalence of chancroid or syphilis.     

Male circumcision and risk of syphilis, chancroid, and genital herpes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: Male circumcision is associated with reduced risk of HIV infection. This may be partly because of a protective effect of circumcision on other sexually transmitted infections (STI), especially those causing genital ulcers, but evidence for such protection is unclear. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analyses of the associations between male circumcision and infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), Treponema pallidum, or Haemophilus ducreyi. METHODS: Electronic databases (1950-2004) were searched using keywords and text terms for herpes simplex, syphilis, chancroid, ulcerative sexually transmitted diseases, or their causative agents, in conjunction with terms to identify epidemiological studies. References of key articles were hand searched, and data were extracted using standardised forms. Random effects models were used to summarise relative risk (RR) where appropriate. RESULTS: 26 articles met the inclusion criteria. Most syphilis studies reported a substantially reduced risk among circumcised men (summary RR = 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 0.83), although there was significant between study heterogeneity (p = 0.01). The reduced risk of HSV-2 infection was of borderline statistical significance (summary RR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.01). Circumcised men were at lower risk of chancroid in six of seven studies (individual study RRs: 0.12 to 1.11). CONCLUSIONS: This first systematic review of male circumcision and ulcerative STI strongly indicates that circumcised men are at lower risk of chancroid and syphilis. There is less association with HSV-2. Potential male circumcision interventions to reduce HIV in high risk populations may provide additional benefit by protecting against other STI.     

32例麻风继发性溃疡分析

目的：了解我院麻风休养员继发性溃疡情况，以便更好地预防和治疗继发性溃疡。方法：使用继发性溃疡调查表调查32例麻风继发性溃疡患者继发性溃疡患者的病因、性质、部位等情况并取继发性溃疡处的分泌物进行细菌培养及药敏试验。结果：32例麻风继发性溃疡共39个病灶。发病部位：足底33个病灶，小腿和手指各3个病灶。溃疡分型：复杂性溃疡灶35个（89.74%），单纯性溃疡灶4个（10.26%）。溃疡原因：灼烫伤引起3个溃疡灶，压力性损伤引起36个溃疡灶。溃疡灶的细菌感染情况：26个病灶无细菌感染，13个存在细菌感染（33.3%)，菌种及药敏情况分别为:金黄色葡萄球菌6株，仅对药物利福平敏感；铜绿假单胞菌4株，对药物庆大霉素、头孢他啶、妥布霉素、环丙沙星、左氧氟沙星、阿米卡星均敏感；奇异变形杆菌、普通变形杆菌、大肠埃希菌各1株，均对头孢他啶、阿米卡星敏感。结论：本地区麻风继发性溃疡以足底溃疡、复杂性溃疡为主，受伤原因以压力性损伤引起为主，感染病原菌以金黄色葡萄球菌为主。     

Provision of syndromic treatment of sexually transmitted infections by community pharmacists: a potentially underutilized HIV prevention strategy

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are known risk factors for HIV infection. GOAL: The goal of this study was to assess the current and potential future role that community pharmacists in Western Cape, South Africa play in the treatment of STIs. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists in the Western Cape region of South Africa. A face-to-face interview that ascertained experience with requests from patients for STI treatment, current STI treatment practices, and willingness to provide syndromic STI treatment was administered to head pharmacists. RESULTS: Ninety pharmacies were selected and 85 (94%) of the head pharmacists participated; 55 from an urban area and 30 from a rural area. Pharmacists reported a median of 40 urban clients and 25 rural clients who sought STI treatment from community pharmacists. When provided with a hypothetical clinical situation, 13% of urban and 17% of rural pharmacists identified the correct medication for male urethral discharge, 8% of urban pharmacists and none of the rural pharmacists identified correct treatment for genital ulcers, and none of the pharmacists identified the correct medication for vaginal discharge. Fifty-three percent of pharmacists in urban regions and 47% of pharmacists in rural regions expressed willingness to provide syndromic STI treatment. Independent predictors of willingness to provide syndromic treatment were knowledge of the link between HIV transmission and STIs (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 13.78; 95% CI: 2.69, 70.66), past experience prescribing syndromic STI treatment (OR: 11.1; 95% CI: 1.14, 108.6), and male gender (OR: 4.38; 95% CI: 1.15, 16.7). CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacists are frequently called upon to provide STI treatment but have limited knowledge of correct treatment recommendations. Training pharmacists to provide syndromic STI treatment may be one strategy to reduce STI morbidity and HIV transmission.     

Can behavior change explain increases in the proportion of genital ulcers attributable to herpes in sub-Saharan Africa? A simulation modeling study

BACKGROUND: The proportion of cases of genital ulcer disease attributable to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) appears to be increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. GOAL: To assess the contributions of HIV disease and behavioral response to the HIV epidemic to the increasing proportion of genital ulcer disease (GUD) attributable to HSV-2 in sub-Saharan Africa. STUDY DESIGN: Simulations of the transmission dynamics of ulcerative sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV with use of the model STDSIM. RESULTS: In simulations, 28% of GUD was caused by HSV-2 before a severe HIV epidemic. If HIV disease was assumed to double the duration and frequency of HSV-2 recurrences, this proportion rose to 35% by year 2000. If stronger effects of HIV were assumed, this proportion rose further, but because of increased HSV-2 transmission this would shift the peak in HSV-2 seroprevalence to an unrealistically young age. A simulated 25% reduction in partner-change rates increased the proportion of GUD caused by HSV-2 to 56%, following relatively large decreases in chancroid and syphilis. CONCLUSION: Behavioral change may make an important contribution to relative increases in genital herpes.     

Incident sexually transmitted infections among persons living with diagnosed HIV/AIDS in New York City, 2001-2002: a population-based assessment

OBJECTIVE/GOAL: To describe the incidence of 3 bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) in New York City (NYC) and to identify predictors for STI acquisition. STUDY DESIGN: The surveillance registry of PLWHA diagnosed with HIV through December 31, 2000, and reported to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene was matched with the surveillance registry of persons diagnosed with other STIs during 2001-2002. Incident STIs were defined as cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or early syphilis acquired after HIV diagnosis. RESULTS: Among 62,264 NYC PLWHA, 1466 (2.4%) had an incident STI diagnosed during 2001-2002. Two-year cumulative STI incidence was highest among PLWHA who were men (2.6%), non-Hispanic white (3.2%), aged 13-24 years (8.4%), men who have sex with men (4.5%), and persons living with HIV (non-AIDS) (4.1%). Predictors of STI acquisition among PLWHA varied substantially by STI type. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based surveillance registry cross-match reveals that high-risk sexual practices occur among specific segments of the NYC PLWHA population. To decrease associated morbidity and prevent the secondary spread of HIV and STIs, prevention efforts should focus on PLWHA who continue to engage in high-risk sexual activity.     

Coexistence of urethritis with genital ulcer disease in South Africa: influence on provision of syndromic management

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether syndromic management of genital ulcer disease was sound, if based on the premise that men with genital ulcers rarely have a concomitant urethral infection. METHODS: Specimens were taken in 1998 from 186 mine workers in Carletonville, South Africa, who were seen consecutively with genital ulcers. The specimens comprised a swab from the ulcer, a urethral swab for a Gram stained smear, and 10-15 ml of a first catch urine sample. The latter was tested by ligase chain reaction assays for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis specific DNA sequences and by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for Mycoplasma genitalium. Ulcer inducing micro-organisms were detected either by a multiplex PCR assay, or in the case of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) serologically, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was detected by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. RESULTS: Most (54%) of the ulcers were chancroidal, 18% were herpetic (HSV type 2), 6.5% primary syphilitic, and 3.2% due to LGV. More than one micro-organism was detected in 9.1% of the ulcers and less than 10% were undiagnosed. Microscopic examination of the urethral smears showed that 99 (53%) of the men had urethritis, of whom 45 (45%) were infected with N gonorrhoeae. Of the 54 men (55%) who had non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), 11 (19.6%) harboured C trachomatis or M genitalium. Almost two thirds (64.5%) of the men had HIV infection, but this did not seem to have influenced the aetiology of the ulcers. Nor was a particular ulcer associated with one type of urethritis more than the other. Neither C trachomatis nor M genitalium was associated significantly with non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in either HIV positive or HIV negative men. CONCLUSION: The combination of antibiotics used for the management of genital ulcer disease in men in this South African mining population needs to be widened to encompass frequently occurring concomitant gonococcal urethritis and NGU infections. This means treatment with long acting penicillin, combined with ciprofloxacin and azithromycin or erythromycin. A similar situation may exist in other geographical locations with a need to provide appropriate antimicrobial combinations depending on the patterns of infection detected.     

Risk factors associated with failure of syndromic treatment of sexually transmitted diseases among women seeking primary care in Addis Ababa

OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors associated with the failure of syndromic management of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among women seeking treatment in primary healthcare centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: Women with symptomatic STDs seeking care in a health centre were prospectively enrolled. A total of 259 women were interviewed and underwent clinical examination; 106 were enrolled and received syndromic STD treatment and 91% returned for follow up. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with treatment failure. RESULTS: Of the 106 women enrolled and presenting with symptomatic STDs 67% were HIV seropositive. Syndromic STD treatment did not result in clinical improvement in 30% of the women. Having genital ulcer disease, genital ulcer disease with genital discharge, genital warts, bacterial vaginosis and plasma HIV-1 load >10,000 copies RNA/ml or being HIV seropositive were all significantly associated with treatment failure. In multivariate analysis, however, only genital ulcer disease was significantly associated with treatment failure. CONCLUSION: In our setting, the association between HIV and genital ulcer disease caused by herpes may, therefore, be the reason for the failure of treatment.     

Herpes simplex virus infection and genital ulcer disease among patients with sexually transmitted infections in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The relative importance of Haemophilus ducreyi and Treponema pallidum in genital ulcer disease in Africa has decreased recently, whereas that of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2 has increased. We analysed 301 lesional specimens from Tanzanian patients with genital ulcer disease for the presence of H. ducreyi, T. pallidum and HSV-1/HSV-2 by performing a separate PCR for each pathogen. Infectious agents were detected in 211 (70%) of the cases. A single pathogen was found in 191 samples and two or more pathogens in the remaining 20. HSV-2 represented 83% of all identified pathogens, HSV-1 8%, T. pallidum 4% and H. ducreyi 5%. HSV-1 was identified as a single pathogen in four samples, in combination with others in an additional 14 samples. Thus, HSV-1 can also be the cause of genital ulcer disease in Africa. Regular surveillance of genital ulcer disease aetiology is important in programs for management of genital ulcer disease and HIV in Africa.     

Chronic giant ulceration of the vulva in an HIV seropositive woman

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is a common cause of genital ulceration. Primary presentation is usually with multiple, small, discrete, tender ulcers. We report an unusual case of chronic, giant ulceration of the vulva in a woman immunosuppressed by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This was the first presentation of symptomatic disease. The diagnosis of HSV infection was made initially on histological examination of a punch biopsy from the ulcer and subsequently confirmed by viral isolation. The response to antiviral therapy with acyclovir was rapid. Other causes of genital ulceration are discussed and we highlight the diagnostic benefit of histological examination of a punch biopsy.     

Increasing prevalence of genital herpes in developing countries: implications for heterosexual HIV transmission and STI control programmes

BACKGROUND: The recognition that sexually transmitted infections (STI) facilitate HIV transmission among heterosexuals has led to a rejuvenated focus on improving STI control as a component of HIV prevention programmes in developing countries. While efforts so far have focused mainly on all STI, there is increasing evidence that genital ulcers facilitate a considerable proportion of HIV transmission among heterosexuals and that this effect has been underestimated. This paper focuses on the epidemiology of genital herpes in developing countries past and present. OBJECTIVES: To review the scientific literature about the epidemiology of genital herpes in developing countries and discuss the implications of the findings for STI control and HIV prevention programmes. SEARCH METHODOLOGY: A Medline search for June 1966 to August 1999 using the keywords, genital herpes, STD and developing countries, and genital ulcers in MeSH and free text. Abstract books from recent international AIDS conferences and other international STD conferences were reviewed. The annual reports of the medical officers of heath for Harare 1982-1998 and Durban 1989-1997 were reviewed to detect trends in genital herpes diagnoses. FINDINGS: Genital herpes, formerly regarded as a minor STI in most developing countries, has now emerged as a leading cause of genital ulceration in many countries where syphilis and chancroid were more prevalent previously. This increased recognition of genital herpes reflects both a change in the pattern of STI epidemiology through a decline in syphilis and chancroid as a response to HIV control programmes and improved techniques for diagnosing herpetic infection. Countries with significant heterosexual HIV epidemics also appear to have rapidly increasing numbers of genital herpes cases. CONCLUSIONS: The emergence of this herpes epidemic must be addressed through innovative strategies that will be viable, sustainable, acceptable, and effective in developing countries. In countries where genital herpes is a significant problem, local adaptation of WHO treatment algorithms should be made. STI service providers should be trained about issues around the transmission of herpes and how best to advise clients about dealing with, and recognising, recurrences. The effectiveness of antiviral treatment for genital herpes should be investigated in core groups at high risk of HIV.     

HIV and STIs in clients and female sex workers in mining regions of Gejiu City, China

OBJECTIVE: To investigate HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs) and clients in a mining region of China. GOAL: To estimate HIV/STI prevalence and to identify HIV risk factors among FSWs and miner clients. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of 96 FSWs and 339 miner clients. RESULTS: In FSWs, prevalence of HIV was 8.3%, herpes simplex virus-2 70.8%, syphilis 12.5%, Neisseria gonorrhoeae 36.8%, Chlamydia trachomatis 46.3%, Trichomonas vaginalis 22.1%, and 90.6% were infected with any STI. Illegal drug use was associated with HIV [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 45.1, 95% confidence interval, 6.4-317.9] in FSWs, and 45.8% reported no condom use with the last client. In miner clients, HIV prevalence was 1.8%, herpes simplex virus-2 14.9%, syphilis 2.4%, N. gonorrhoeae 2.1%, C. trachomatis 6.5%, and 23.2% were infected with any STI. Never using condoms with FSWs and regular partners were reported in 61.2% and 84.1%, respectively. Independent risk factors for HIV in miner clients were illegal drug use (OR 190.2), symptoms of urethral discharge or frequent urination (OR 32.9), early sexual debut (OR 7.1), and visiting 4 or more FSWs in the last 12 months (OR 11.5). CONCLUSIONS: HIV/STI prevalence is high among FSWs and moderate among clients in mining regions of Gejiu City. Drug use is the most important factor placing FSWs and miner clients at risk for HIV in Gejiu City; risky sexual characteristics such as early sexual debut, frequent visits to FSWs, and STI symptoms are also important factors for miner clients. FSWs and miner clients may constitute bridging groups for HIV to low-risk populations.